Tuesday, October 14, 2008

I guarantee you will remember the tale of the Wooden Bowl tomorrow, a week from now, a month from now, a year from now.... A frail old man went to live with his son, daughter-in-law, and 4 yr old grandson. The old man's hands trembled, his eyesight was blurred, and his step faltered. The family ate together every night at the table. But the elderly grandfather's shaky hands and failing sight made eating difficult. Peas rolled off his spoon onto the floor. When he grasped the glass, milk spilled on the tablecloth.

The son and daughter-in-law became irritated with the mess. "We must do something about father," said the son. "I've had enough of his spilled milk, noisy eating, and food on the floor." So the husband and wife set a small table in the corner. There, Grandfather ate alone while the rest of the family enjoyed dinner. Since Grandfather had broken a dish or two, his food was served in a wooden bowl!

When the family glanced in Grandfather's direction, sometimes he had a tear in his eye as he sat alone. Still, the only words the couple had for him were sharp admonitions when he dropped a fork or spilled food. The four-year-old watched it all in silence. One evening before supper, the father noticed his son playing with wood scraps on the floor. He asked the child sweetly, "What are you making?" Just as sweetly, the boy responded, "Oh, I am making a little bowl for you and Mama to eat your food in when I grow up." The four-year-old smiled and went back to work.

The words so struck the parents so that they were speechless. Then tears started to stream down their cheeks. Though no word was spoken, both knew what must be done. That evening the husband took Grandfather's hand and gently led him back to the family table. For the remainder of his days he ate every meal with the family. And for some reason, neither husband nor wife seemed to care any longer when a fork was dropped, milk spilled, or the tablecloth soiled. On a positive note, I've learned that, no matter what happens, how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow.

I've learned that, regardless of your relationship with your parents,you'll miss them when they're gone from your life. I've learned that making a "living" is not the same thing as making a "life.." I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance. I've learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision. I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one. I've learned that I still have a lot to learn.

I think I was 51 in this picture, taken by b. schlake while we were visiting his Botanical Garden. Taken a couple years ago ... age is a state of mind, it is the body that feels the aches and pain. Went to a new Endocrinologist, they took lots of blood for tests. A young Dr. who is more focused on my problem and it's source. We will see if She can find the key.

About Me

A photo journalist and documentary photographer. Dennis Camp is a freelance photographer working out of South West Ohio. Portrait and other contract work is available. You will find a eclectic selection of photographs, hope you enjoy them. Feel free to
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You can find much of my other photography at Dennis Camp
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